Your complete guide to menstrual cups and menstrual discs
Reviewed by Ladibug's Medical Advisory Board
With more types of menstrual products available than ever, choosing the right one for you can feel overwhelming when it comes to that time of the month. We wanted to highlight two options - menstrual cups and menstrual discs - which are gaining popularity due to a few incredible reasons: they are both cost effective, sustainable, and designed to offer long-lasting protection. If you’re curious about the differences or which one would suit you better, this guide is for you!
First, let’s talk about what they have in common
Menstrual cups and discs are both:
- Made from 100% medical-grade silicone
- Designed to collect menstrual blood (unlike other menstrual care products which absorb menstrual blood)
- Reusable for years with proper care
- Safe to wear for up to 12 hours (sometimes have to be emptied earlier depending on the heaviness of your flow)
- Collect on average 15-30ml of liquid (which is approximately 3-7 tampons worth of liquid!)
While their purpose and a few elements are similar, the way cups and discs work, are inserted and removed, and feel can be quite different. Let’s get into it:
What is a Menstrual Cup?
A menstrual cup is a small, upside down bell silicone item that sits low in the vaginal canal and forms a suction based seal with the vaginal walls to stay in place. Menstrual cups offer reliable, leak-resistant protection due to the sealing process!
Great For:
Cups are great for first timers, since they sit lower in the body and require less experience of the anatomy i.e. they may be less intimidating!
What is a Menstrual Disc?
A menstrual disc is a shallow, wider (saucer-like) flexible disc that sits higher in the vaginal canal, and is held in place by the pubic bone rather than by suction. BONUS: Many users find that it allows for mess-free period sex!
Great For
Discs may be a better choice for those with IUDs, as there is no suction involved and less risk for IUD expulsion.
How to Insert Cups vs Discs?
- Cups: Must be folded and rotated upon insertion to seal properly
- Discs: Inserted by folding lengthwise and tucking behind the pubic bone
Where should Cups and Discs sit and how are they held in place?
- Cups: sealed suction between cup and vaginal walls, sits in the vaginal canal.
- Discs: Held by the pubic bone rather than suction sealing, sits right below the cervix.
How to Remove Cups vs Discs
- Cups: Removed by pinching the base to release the suction between cup and vaginal walls.
- Discs: Removed by hooking a finger under the rim and sliding it out
So what’s the best option?
Truly there’s no one-size-fits all! The good news is that both are incredible options and it all comes down to personal comfort levels, anatomy, and lifestyle.
- Try a cup if you like the idea of a more structured, sealed option.
- Try a disc if you have a lower cervix, prefer no suction, and want a period product that works with penetrative sex.
Many people try both before landing on a favorite and that’s totally normal! If you’re ready to give it a try, we carry a selection of menstrual cups and discs from brands that are focused on delivering high quality products to their users. Happy learning, browsing, and trying!